Homilies on the Acts of the Apostles — Homily 50

St. John Chrysostom

1. 0. Greeting

Acts XXIII. 31, 32, 33

Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris. On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle: who, when they came to Cæsarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him.

Like some king whom his body-guards escort, so did these convey Paul; in such numbers too, and by night, for fear of the wrath of the people. Now then you will say that they have got him out of the city, they desist from their violence? No indeed. But (the tribune) would not have sent him off with such care for his safety, but that while he himself had found nothing amiss in him, he knew the murderous disposition of his adversaries. And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia; I will hear you, said he, when your accusers are also come. Already Lysias has spoken for his exculpation; (but the Jews seek to) gain the hearer beforehand. And he ordered him to be kept in custody in Herod's prætorium (v. 34, 35): again Paul is put in bonds. And after five days came down the high priest Ananias with the elders. See how for all this they do not desist; hindered as they were by obstacles without number, nevertheless they come, only to be put to shame here also. And with an orator, one Tertullus. And what need was there of an orator? Which ( persons ) also informed the governor against Paul. [[Acts 24.1]] See how this man also from the very outset ( b ) with his praises seeks to gain the judge beforehand. And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by you we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by your providence, we accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. (v. 2, 3.) Then as having much to say, he passes by the rest: Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto you, I pray you that you would hear us of your clemency a few words. For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world. ( a ) As a revolutionary and seditious person he wishes to deliver him up. And yet, it might be answered, it is ye that have done this. ( c ) And see how he would put up the judge to a desire of punishing, seeing he had here an opportunity to coerce the man that turned the world upside down! As if they had achieved a meritorious action, they make much of it: Having found this fellow, etc., a mover of sedition, say they, among all the Jews throughout the world. (Had he been such), they would have proclaimed him as a benefactor and saviour of the nation! And a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. (v. 4, 5.) They thought this likely to tell as a reproach — of the Nazarenes: and by this also they seek to damage him — for Nazareth was a mean place. And, we have found him, say they: see how maliciously they calumniate him: (fo